Prevalence and features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in prisons in Tuscany

BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them.AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons,this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs.METHODS This is an observational cohort study.Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results.Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility.Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,and Clinical Modification.RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021,79.2%of the prisoner cohort(n=1744)agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test(n=1381).Of these,1288 were negative(93.3%)and 85 were positive(6.2%).A significant association[relative risk(RR)]was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians[RR=2.4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-4.8].A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder(RR=4,95%CI:1.8-9.1).The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany(standardized incidence ratio 0.7,95%CI:0.6-0.9).CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort,screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.

国外Swabbing Equipment抽汲装置研究

在试油作业中,为求目的层产量等参数时,若地层能量不足以使油井自喷,则采取抽汲等方式进行诱喷或求产。国外试油过程中抽汲作业多采用油管内抽汲,Swabbing Equipment抽汲装置具有结构简单、安全系数和抽汲效率高的优点,值得国内从事试油工作者借鉴和参考。

Genetic identification and reiterated captures suggest that the Astyanax mexicanus El Pachón cavefish population is closed and declining

The sizes of Astyanax mexicanus blind cavefish populations of North-East Mexico are demographic parameters of great importance for investigating a variety of ecological,evolutionary,and conservation issues.However,few estimates have been obtained.For these mobile animals living in an environment difficult to explore as a whole,methods based on capture-mark-recapture are appropriate,but their feasibility and interpretation of results depend on several assumptions that must be carefully examined.Here,we provide evidence that minimally invasive genetic identification from captures at different time intervals(three days and three years)can give insights into cavefish population size dynamics as well as other important demographic parameters of interest.We also provide tools to calibrate sampling and genotyping efforts necessary to reach a given level of precision.Our results suggest that the El Pachón cave population is currently very small,of an order of magnitude of a few hundreds of individuals,and is distributed in a relatively isolated area.The probable decline in population size in the El Pachón cave since the last census in 1971 raises serious conservation issues.

A network meta-analysis on comparison of invasive and non-invasive sampling methods to characterize intestinal microbiota of birds

Birds maintain complex and intimate associations with a diverse community of microbes in their intestine.Multiple invasive and non-invasive sampling methods are used to characterize these communities to answer a multitude of eco-evolutionary questions related to host-gut microbiome symbioses.However,the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods is sparse with contradicting findings.Through performing a network meta-analysis for 13 published bird gut microbiome studies,here we attempt to investigate the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods.The two most used non-invasive sampling methods(cloacal swabs and fecal samples)showed significantly different results in alpha diversity and taxonomic relative abundances compared to invasive samples.Overall,non-invasive samples showed decreased alpha diversity compared to intestinal samples,but the alpha diversities of fecal samples were more comparable to the intestinal samples.On the contrary,the cloacal swabs characterized significantly lower alpha diversities than in intestinal samples,but the taxonomic relative abundances acquired from cloacal swabs were similar to the intestinal samples.Phylogenetic status,diet,and domestication degree of host birds also influenced the differences in microbiota characterization between invasive and non-invasive samples.Our results indicate a general pattern in microbiota differences among intestinal mucosal and non-invasive samples across multiple bird taxa,while highlighting the importance of evaluating the appropriateness of the microbiome sampling methods used to answer specific research questions.The overall results also suggest the potential importance of using both fecal and cloacal swab sampling together to properly characterize bird microbiomes.

A Case of Serratia marcescens Conjunctivitis in a Young Male after Exposure to Contaminated Shampoo in a Fitness Club

The contamination of shampoo with bacteria is not very common but can happen and can be a potential cause of conjunctivitis. This case report describes a 24-year-old male who developed conjunctivitis after using a Serratia marcescens contaminated shampoo in a fitness club. The patient had redness, swelling, and discharge in both eyes. Cultures of the shampoo and eye swabs were positive for S. marcescens with indistinguishable DNA fingerprints. The patient was treated with an eye drop antibiotic and his symptoms resolved within a week. This case highlights the possibility of exposure in places where shampoos containers are refilled or shared. The avoidance of refilling them and using replaceable cartridges, single-sealed refill bags, or bringing personal shampoo is highly recommended to prevent such incidents.

Massive Rhinorrhea as a Complication of COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab

The nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing is generally considered safe;however, it is primarily performed by staff that may not completely understand the anatomy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. We report the treatment of a 48-year-old man who developed unilateral left rhinorrhea after a nasopharyngeal swab sample. It is aimed to draw attention to this complication that can be prevented with the appropriate technique during nasopharyngeal swab sampling.

Calcified reticulate rind sign:A characteristic feature of gossypiboma on computed tomography

We herein report a gossypiboma resulting from a retained surgical swab, which had been left in peritoneum for 20years after appendectomy. CT revealed a cystic mass with a calcified reticulate rind. Subsequent surgery and pathological examination showed a gossypiboma. A simple experiment, using a barium-soaked surgical swab demonstrating similar CT appearance, supported our postulation that calcium deposition on the reticulated fibers of a surgical swab could generate such a characteristic 'calcified reticulate rind' sign. We believe that identification of this CT sign facilitates the diagnosis of gossypibomas.

A comparative evaluation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses in Italy

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci(MRS)which is a potencial risk factor of transmission between animals and humans in different types of horses(harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses)and to compare the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates.Methods:A total of 191 healthy horses,housed at different locations of the Campania Region(Italy),were included in the study.Nasal swab samples were collected from each nostril of the horses.The mecA gene was detected by a nested PCR technique.Antibiotic susceptibility was tested for each isolate.Results:MRS was isolated from nasal samples of 68/191(35.6%;95%CI:28.9%-42.9%)healthy horses.All isolates were coagulase-negative with the exception of two coagulase-positive MRS strains,identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.2/83(2.4%;95%,CI:0.4%-9.2%).Interestingly,both coagulase-positive MRS isolates were from harness racing-horses.These horses also presented a significantly higher positivity for MRS(53.3%;95%CI:40.1%-66.1%)than the breeding mares and riding-horses groups.Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed difference between isolates due to different origins except for an almost common high resistance to aminopenicillins,such as ampicillin and amoxicillin.Conclusions:It can be concluded that harness racing-horses may act as a significant reservoir of MRS as compared to breeding mares and riding-horses.

Characterization, prevalence and antibiogram study of Staphylococcus aureus in poultry

Objective: To reveal the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)(MRSA) in poultry samples and to determine the antibiogram pattern against five antibiotics.Methods: Samples from different poultry farm of Chittagong city, Bangladesh were examined for S. aureus by different biochemical tests and confirmed as MRSA by identifying the presence of mec A gene using PCR. Antibiotic resistance pattern in S. aureus was determined by antibiotic disk diffusion method.Results: In this study, a total of 60 samples(30 from nasal swabs and 30 from cloacal swabs) were used, of which 54 were confirmed as S. aureus by different biochemical tests. Among these, 12 were confirmed as MRSA by detecting mec A gene using PCR.During antibiogram study, both nasal and cloacal samples showed the highest resistance against penicillin-G and the lowest resistance was observed against neomycin.Conclusions: Based on the present study, it can be said that different antibiotics are used extensively in poultry that leads to MRSA and is alarming for human health.

Study of the prevalence and association of ocular chlamydial conjunctivitis in women with genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans attending outpatient clinic

AIMTo determine the association between chlamydial conjunctivitis and genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans, in addition to the possible relationship between cultured bacterial pathogens and oculogenital chlamydial infection.METHODSThis study was performed on 100 (50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic) women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric outpatient clinic of Alzahra hospital, Alazhar University. Simultaneously a conjunctival swab was taken from these patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on DNA extracted from both vaginal and conjunctival swab samples. Culture for both vaginal and conjunctival swabs was also done.RESULTSCandida albicans was the predominant organism isolated by culture in 20% and 40% of conjunctival and vaginal swabs respectively. By the PCR method, ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 60% of symptomatic women, while genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was present in 30% of symptomatic women. The results of this method also indicated that 25/50 (50%) vaginal swabs were positive with PCR for Candida albicans versus 15/50 (30%) were PCR positive in conjunctival swab. Mycoplasma genitalium was present in only 10% of vaginal swabs. Concomitant oculogenital PCR positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans were 30% and 28% respectively.CONCLUSIONOcular Chlamydia trachomatis was associated with genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a high percentage of women followed by Candida albicans. Cultured bacterial organisms do not play a role in enhancement of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Safety management of nasopharyngeal specimen collection from suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019

This article introduces safety management strategies of nasopharyngeal specimen collection from suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in a tertiary designated hospital.The key points include establishing a special sampling room,strict sterilization of the entire environment,training of professional nurses,enhancement of personal protection,standardization of methods and processes for swab collection,and a timely and safety sample submission.More than 11,000 nasopharyngeal specimens were collected by eight nurses,with an average of 1,375 specimen swab collections each nurse,and no one was infected.

Effects of Different Temperature and Time Durations of Virus Inactivation on Results of Real-time Fluorescence PCR Testing of COVID-19 Viruses

Summary:The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 caused an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan,Hubei province of China in January 2020.This study aims to investigate the effects of different temperature and time durations of virus inactivation on the results of PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.Twelve patients at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 were selected on February 13,2020 and throat swabs were taken.The swabs were stored at room tempcrature(20-25℃),then divided into aliquots and subjected to different temperature for different periods in order to inactivate the viruses(56℃for 30,45,60 min;65,70,80℃for 10,15,20 min).Control aliquots were stored at room temperature for 60 min.Then all aliquots were tested in a real-time fluorescence PCR using primers against SARS-CoV-2.Regardless of inactivation temperature and time,7 of 12 cases(58.3%)tested were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR,and cycle threshold values were similar.These results suggest that virus inactivation parameters exert minimal infuence on PCR test results.Inactivation at 65℃for 10 min may be sufficient to ensure safe,reliable testing.

Positive SARS-Cov-2 test in a woman with COVID-19 at 22 days after hospital discharge:A case report

Background:In a few discharged patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),the nucleic acid test shows positive results again.Whether this is due to relapse of the disease,reinfection by the virus,or a false-positive result at hospital discharge is worth exploring.Case presentation:A woman with COVID-19 was discharged from the hospital after integrative treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine because she met the discharge standards.However,she obtained positive results on a nucleic acid test 22 days later.Conclusion:Based on this positive test result in a discharged patient with COVID-19,anal tests and coronavirus antibody tests should be combined with throat swab tests to further develop the diagnosis and discharge standards for patients with COVID-19.

A study of female genital swabs in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Objective:To detect some common microbial agents of vaginal discharge and improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge.Methods:A prospective study of female genital swabs collected from obstetrics and gynecology units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,Kano,Nigeria and an analysed of microscopy,culture and sensitivity in the medical microbiology and parasitology laboratory of this hospital were conducted from December 2007 to December 2008.Data on epidemiologic indices were collected from the patients,using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results:Eight hundred and forty Candida species were detected,constituting 60%(n=840) of 1 400 female genital discharge samples of microbial etiology in a total of 2 000 female genital samples received.The distribution of vaginal candidiasis was tbe highest in young adults aged 21 to 30 years with 43%(n=360) of the total 840 cases. Pregnant women that presented with vaginal candidiasis constituted 40%(n=360) of the total 840 cases.Other risk groups included the immuno-suppression with 24%(n=202),group on hormonal therapy with 15%(n=126) and broad spectrum antibiotics users with 16%(n=134).Conclusions: The results show that Candida is the most common cause of vaginitis and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis followed by C.albicans in the young adults aged 21 to 30 years,pregnant mothers, immuno-suppression,contraceptive and broad spectrum antibiotic users.Proper management of vaginal candidiasis and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is recommended especially among the risk groups in order to avoid complications and reduce HIV transmission.

Perianal infectious dermatitis: An underdiagnosed, unremitting and stubborn condition

Perianal infectious dermatitis(PID) represents a super-ficial inflammation of the perianal skin, which is of bac-terial origin(classically, group A beta-hemolytic strepto-cocci). This narrative review aims to critically review and summarize the available scientific literature regarding pediatric PID, being the first of its kind, to the best of the author's knowledge. It also reports the first cases of Romanian children with PID. Multiple databases were subjected to systematic literature search(from 1966 to April 30, 2018) to identify studies and case reports of children with PID. As such, this review provides up-dated information about essential aspects of PID(epi-demiology, etiology, pathogenesis, as well as clinical features, required investigations and therapeutic options) and of diagnostic pitfalls. Although a well-defined entity, PID remains largely underdiagnosed. PID may mimic other common conditions with skin manifestations(like candidiasis, pinworms, eczema, irritant dermatitis, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, sebor-rheic dermatitis, zinc deficiency dermatosis and even sexual abuse), with consequent unnecessary, sometimes expensive and invasive investigations and futile therapies, which cause patients and families discomfort and distress. Since PID has an unremitting course, early recognition is imperative, as it allows for prompt and efficacious antibiotic therapy. However, PID represents a stubborn condition and, even if properly treated, its recurrence rate remains high. Further well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials, with adequate follow-up, are required in order to formulate the optimum personalized antibiotic therapy(oral alone or in association with topical medication), able to prevent recurrences. Awareness of this condition by healthcare professionals should improve patient outcomes.

Swab culture monitoring of automated endoscope reprocessors after high-level disinfection

AIM:To conduct a bacterial culture study for monitoring decontamination of automated endoscope reprocessors(AERs) after high-level disinfection(HLD).METHODS:From February 2006 to January 2011,authors conducted randomized consecutive sampling each month for 7 AERs.Authors collected a total of 420 swab cultures,including 300 cultures from 5 gastroscope AERs,and 120 cultures from 2 colonoscope AERs.Swab cultures were obtained from the residual water from the AERs after a full reprocessing cycle.Samples were cultured to test for aerobic bacteria,anaerobic bacteria,and mycobacterium tuberculosis.RESULTS:The positive culture rate of the AERs was 2.0%(6/300) for gastroscope AERs and 0.8%(1/120) for colonoscope AERs.All the positive cultures,including 6 from gastroscope and 1 from colonoscope AERs,showed monofloral colonization.Of the gastroscopeAER samples,50%(3/6) were colonized by aerobic bacterial and 50%(3/6) by fungal contaminations.CONCLUSION:A full reprocessing cycle of an AER with HLD is adequate for disinfection of the machine.Swab culture is a useful method for monitoring AER decontamination after each reprocessing cycle.Fungal contamination of AERs after reprocessing should also be kept in mind.

Validation of Microchip Based RT-PCR ABC Test (InfA/B &COVID-19) in Clinical Samples

To contain the rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is essential to develop an accurate and sensitive test system to address pandemic bottlenecks, simplified sample collection, and no sample prep. While meeting the demand of testing large populations, the miniaturized volume of assay reagents and offering rapid results is the need in such scenarios. Moreover, in view of the reports of co-infections and overlapping symptoms of Influenza caused by Influenza A or Influenza B, and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, a test system with three targets can be supportive for accurate clinical diagnosis. In this presentation, we evaluated the performance of a test comprising Microchip RT-PCR Influenza and COVID-19 Detection System for identifying these three viral pathogens in nasal swabs and saliva specimens. A rapid and simplified total nucleic acid extraction method was developed and validated for the reliable, high-throughput simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses causing Influenza (type A and type B viruses) and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) using the microchip-based AriaDNATM platform deriving the name ABC Test. The test system was evaluated using 81 nasal swab samples, 77 clinical saliva samples, 5 blind CAP reference samples, and RNA standards. The limit of detection (LoD) was assessed using SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B RNA standards. The multiplex ABC Test microchip displayed LoD of 14 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 26 copies/μL for Influenza A, and 140 copies/μL for Influenza B, respectively. The ABC Test offers rapid multiplex one-step RT-PCR in 32 minutes for 45 cycles as the miniaturized reaction of 1.2 μL offering a highly sensitive, robust, and accurate assay for the detection of Influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2.

Retrospective Diagnosis of COVID-19 in an Asymptomatic Patient Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Background: With reports of higher mortality and complications occurring in patients with perioperative 2019 novel coronarvirus disease (COVID-19), most elective surgeries have been postponed. However, evidence regarding emergency surgeries in patients with COVID-19 remains scarce. We report the case of a patient with asymptomatic perioperative COVID-19, presenting with an acute abdomen requiring surgery. Case: A 25-year-old male, with a prior nasopharyngeal swab that was negative for SARS-CoV-2, presented with classical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Clinical examination and investigations were not suggestive of COVID-19 infection. He underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy with infection control precautions. Post-operatively, he was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 but remained asymptomatic and had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: In asymptomatic individuals with higher risks, negative test results should be viewed cautiously. The benefits of urgent surgical interventions must be weighed against the risks of complications due to perioperative COVID-19 in these patients.

Infectious complications after prostate biopsy:Time to rethink our clinical practice

Prostate biopsy is a very common procedure performed worldwide which still represents the only way for prostate cancer diagnosis and reference point for subsequent treatments. Even if transrectal prostate biopsy is considered a safe procedure, it may be accompanied by infective complications, ranging from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic urinary tract infections and sepsis. During the recent decade we observed an increasing number of infectious complications and subsequent hospitalizations after and transrectal prostate biopsy. The most probable reason for the increasing rate of infectious complications after prostate biopsy is the increasing antimicrobial resistance, especially to the current first-line recommended fluoroquinolone antibiotics. We believe the time has come to re-think our current practice of diagnosing prostate cancer. We need to focus on the selection of patients at higher risk of infective complications, on microbiological sampling of the faecal flora prior to biopsy to identify resistance to specific agents, on the number of biopsy cores, on the biopsy route(perineal or transrectal approach) and, finally, consider alternative antibiotics with improved susceptibility to be used for prophylaxis.

Prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges and to improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge.Methods:A prospective study of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharge was carried out from December 2007 to December 2008.Samples of female genital swabs were collected from Obstetrics and Gynecology Units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,Kano,Nigeria,and analyzed by microscopy,culture and sensitivity test in Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.Results:Microorganisms were detected in 70%(1 400) of a total 2 000 female genital swabs studied.Candida species peaked with 42.0%(840),followed by Gardnerella vaginalis,a pathogen of bacteria vaginosis with 26.0%.The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in young adults aged from 21 to 30 years.Conclusions:The commonest Microorganisms of infective vaginal discharge were Candida species,followed by Gardnerella vaginalis,a pathogen of bacterial vaginosis.Vaginal discharge was prevalent among young adults. We recommend prevention,early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infected female,especially among the young,sexually active group in order to reduce the menace of HIV transmission.